Health and Safety policy
Catford Movers Health and Safety Policy
Catford Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all moves, from domestic house removals to commercial relocations and storage transfers.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
We recognise that professional removals involve manual handling, vehicle use, access to varied properties, and occasional work under time pressure. Catford Movers will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by integrating health and safety into everyday planning and decision making.
Our senior management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance and will ensure the resources, equipment, and training required to implement this policy are made available and reviewed.
Objectives
The main objectives of this Health and Safety Policy are to:
Promote a positive safety culture where every member of staff understands their responsibilities.
Comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry guidance for removal companies.
Identify, assess, and control risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading, driving, and working at customer sites.
Reduce accidents, near misses, and work-related ill health through prevention, monitoring, and continuous improvement.
Protect customers, visitors, and members of the public from foreseeable risks linked to our operations.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Catford Movers will:
Provide clear leadership on health and safety, setting standards and leading by example on every move.
Ensure risk assessments are carried out for typical removal activities, including manual handling, vehicle loading and unloading, use of equipment, and access to properties.
Supply appropriate work equipment such as trolleys, blankets, straps, and lifting aids, and ensure they are maintained in safe working condition.
Deliver suitable information, instruction, and training so that employees are competent to carry out their roles safely.
Consult with employees on matters affecting their health and safety and consider their suggestions for improvement.
Investigate accidents, near misses, and incidents, identify underlying causes, and implement corrective actions.
Review this policy regularly and update it in line with changes in operations, legislation, or best practice.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee of Catford Movers has a legal and moral duty to contribute to a safe working environment. All staff must:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety, and of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Follow all safety procedures, instructions, and training provided, especially regarding lifting techniques, use of equipment, and vehicle operation.
Use the personal protective equipment and safety aids provided, such as gloves, handling straps, and safety footwear, where required.
Report hazards, unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, and near misses immediately to their manager or supervisor.
Cooperate with any accident investigations, audits, or safety inspections.
Refrain from horseplay, misuse of equipment, or any behaviour that could endanger themselves or others.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before each removal, Catford Movers will take reasonable steps to identify and assess risks associated with the specific property and job. This may include:
Considering access routes such as stairs, lifts, narrow corridors, uneven surfaces, and parking arrangements close to the property.
Assessing the size, weight, and handling requirements of furniture, appliances, and other items to be moved.
Identifying potential hazards such as low ceilings, poor lighting, loose floor coverings, or adverse weather conditions.
Planning routes, team sizes, and equipment needs to minimise manual handling risks and ensure safe loading and unloading.
Agreeing safety arrangements with customers where necessary, including keeping walkways clear and pets and children away from working areas.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is central to removal work and will be managed carefully to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Catford Movers will:
Train staff in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifts and use of handling aids.
Encourage staff to assess the load and the route before lifting and to refuse unsafe lifts, requesting assistance or additional equipment where needed.
Provide appropriate removal equipment, such as sack trucks, dollies, ramps, and furniture sliders, and ensure it is used correctly.
Limit the weight and size of items lifted by a single person wherever reasonably practicable.
Maintain vehicles and loading systems so that steps, tailgates, and floors are safe, stable, and clear of obstructions.
Vehicle Safety and Driving
Catford Movers is committed to the safe operation of all vehicles used for removals and transport. We will:
Ensure vehicles are roadworthy, regularly inspected, and appropriately maintained.
Require drivers to hold valid licences and be trained and briefed on safe driving, loading, and securing of loads.
Plan journeys and loading to avoid overloading, unbalanced loads, and unsecured items that could shift in transit.
Encourage safe driving behaviour, including compliance with speed limits, adherence to rest breaks, and avoidance of distractions.
Promote safe parking and loading practices at customer locations, considering pedestrians and other road users.
Customer and Public Safety
We recognise our duty to protect customers and the public in the areas where we work. Catford Movers will:
Keep working areas as clear as possible, managing trip hazards such as boxes, tools, and packing materials.
Advise customers about safe access during the move and encourage them to keep children and pets away from lifting and loading zones.
Take care when moving items through communal areas, shared entrances, and public pathways.
Act responsibly and respectfully in residential and commercial environments to minimise disturbance and risk.
Training, Supervision, and Communication
Catford Movers will provide initial and ongoing training to ensure staff are competent in their roles and aware of safety requirements. This includes:
Induction training covering company safety rules, emergency procedures, and incident reporting.
Task specific training on lifting, use of equipment, packing, loading, and safe driving.
Regular briefings and toolbox talks on seasonal risks, new procedures, and lessons learned from incidents.
Appropriate supervision on jobs to monitor standards and provide guidance to less experienced staff.
Monitoring and Review
We are committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. To support this, Catford Movers will:
Monitor accidents, incidents, and near misses, looking for trends and opportunities to reduce risk.
Review risk assessments, work methods, and training content periodically and after any significant changes to our services.
Revise this Health and Safety Policy when necessary to reflect developments in legislation, guidance, or company operations.
By following this policy and working together, Catford Movers aims to deliver safe, efficient, and professional removals for every customer, while protecting the wellbeing of our staff and the wider community.
